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AJ MacGinty will play no part in the USA’s November international series. The Eagles flyhalf has been ruled out of the next 12 weeks of action after undergoing shoulder surgery. According to Sale Sharks the injury was originally suffered while playing for Eagles in June.
It’s a blow for the Eagles, who have enjoyed an unprecedented run of success in 2018. After completing an Americas Rugby Championship Grand Slam they won all three of their June tests including the historic win over Scotland in Houston.
Gary Gold has a number of options to fill the gap. Will Hooley has been playing fullback but the Bedford flyhalf could switch to the No10 shirt. That would likely see captain Blaine Scully switched to fullback. Another alternative could be to start Glendale’s Will Magie at flyhalf in a like-for-like change and leave Hooley at fullback.
There are a handful of players who could fill the squad vacancy. JP Eloff has been starting at flyhalf in the Americas Pacific Challenge, with Conor Kearns an option at flyhalf or fullback. Uncapped pair Tadhg Leader and Harry Bennett could be considered though both were forced to withdraw from APC selection. Ben Cima is also an option though he has slipped in the pecking order as of late.
MacGinty will not return until 2019, leaving Sale also short of options at the position. Australian international James O’Connor could fill the gap though he has largely been used as an outside back, while England Saxons midfielder Sam James can also fill in at the pivot spot.
